Schools cricket

Travellers following their national team on tour through South Africa should keep schoolboy cricket in mind to fill gaps between international fixtures. Those who are involved in cricket clubs may even spot potential recruits and can then get in touch with the school concerned.

Did you know?

South African cricketer, Herschelle Gibbs, made his first-class debut at age 16, while still a pupil at Bishops Diocesan College.

South Africa boasts many top cricket schools, which provide excellent Saturday entertainment for fans of this sport.

Schools cricket in South Africa attracts a lot of sponsorship, in turn making for many exciting tournaments and competitions, such as the Standard Bank Schools Pro20 Challenge.

In South Africa top school cricketers usually start playing senior club cricket from the age of 16 or 17, meaning that the standard is very high. Much emphasis is placed on maintaining the spirit of the game and adhering to traditions of old.

During a standard international cricket tour of South Africa, school teams are likely to visit Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town, as well as possibly popping into Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth and East London. All of these cities are home to excellent cricket schools.

In Johannesburg, some of the top cricketing schools are King Edward VII (alma mater of Proteas captain Graeme Smith), St Johns and St Stithians. Redhill School also has a strong cricket team and hosts the Annual Quadrangular Schools Tournament on the first weekend of every year.

In Pretoria, Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool (alma mater of AB de Villiers), which is across the road from Loftus Versfeld rugby stadium, is a top cricket institute.

In KwaZulu-Natal, Durban High School, which has produced top international cricketers such as Barry Richards, Lance Klusener and Hashim Amla, is located close to the city centre. Further inland, Hilton and Michaelhouse are home to some of the most scenic cricket grounds in South Africa, while Maritzburg College has produced stars such as England batsman, Kevin Pietersen.

The Western Cape offers excellent weather during cricket season (the South African summer), and spectators can bask in the sun while they enjoy the entertainment. Located within several kilometres of Newlands Stadium, which hosts international matches, are Bishops (alma mater of Herschelle Gibbs), Wynberg Boys' High School (alma mater of Jacques Kallis), Rondebosch Boys' High School and Groote Schuur High School.

Travel tips & Planning info

Who to contact

Best time to visit

Schools cricket in South Africa usually takes place from October until April, coinciding with international cricket tours to the country.

What will it cost

Entrance to schools cricket matches in South Africa is generally free of charge, apart from select matches held in stadiums. For these, a nominal fee may apply.

What's happening

The Standard Bank Pro20 Challenge usually takes place from October until February. The Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Cricket Week, featuring South Africa's top school cricketers representing their provinces, takes place in December every year.

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